Health Benefits of Molecular Hydrogen (H₂) for Humans

Core Potential Benefits and Scientific Basis:

The core mechanism of molecular hydrogen is believed to be associated with selective antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and regulation of cellular signaling pathways—it can specifically scavenge highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body (such as hydroxyl radicals ·OH and peroxynitrite anions ONOO⁻) while having minimal impact on weak ROS that maintain normal physiological functions (such as superoxide anions O₂⁻ and hydrogen peroxide H₂O₂). This "selectivity" is a key feature that distinguishes it from other antioxidants (e.g., vitamins C and E). Based on this, its potential benefits are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Reducing Oxidative Stress Damage and Protecting Tissues/Organs

Oxidative stress is a common pathological basis for various chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases), aging, and acute injuries (e.g., ischemia-reperfusion injury).

Experimental Evidence: Animal studies have shown that inhaling hydrogen gas or drinking hydrogen-rich water can reduce hydroxyl radicals generated during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (e.g., when blood flow is restored after a stroke), decrease oxidative damage to brain tissue, and improve neurological function. For myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (e.g., when blood vessels are recanalized after a myocardial infarction), hydrogen can reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis and shrink the infarct size.

2. Inhibiting Excessive Inflammatory Responses and Alleviating Inflammation-Related Symptoms

Excessive or persistent inflammatory responses can cause tissue damage and are closely associated with diseases such as arthritis, enteritis, and pneumonia.

Experimental and Clinical Evidence:

In animal experiments, hydrogen can alleviate joint swelling and cartilage damage in rat models of rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors (e.g., tumor necrosis factor TNF-α, interleukin IL-6);

Preliminary clinical studies on patients with ulcerative colitis have shown that drinking hydrogen-rich water can reduce intestinal inflammation markers and alleviate symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain;

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies explored the auxiliary role of hydrogen inhalation in reducing pulmonary inflammation in COVID-19 patients, finding that it may mitigate pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammation, and improve blood oxygen saturation.

3. Protecting the Nervous System and Potentially Improving Neurological Issues

The nervous system is highly sensitive to oxidative stress and inflammation. The lipophilic nature of molecular hydrogen allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier and act directly on brain tissue.

Experimental Evidence:

Studies on animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease have demonstrated that hydrogen can reduce the deposition of β-amyloid (a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease) and the aggregation of α-synuclein (a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease) in the brain, inhibit neuroinflammation, and improve cognitive function and motor ability in animals;

In animal experiments on traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, hydrogen can promote the recovery of neurological function by reducing secondary damage (e.g., edema, oxidative stress).

4. Auxiliary Regulation of Metabolism and Potential Benefits for Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (e.g., obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia) is often accompanied by chronic oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation. Molecular hydrogen may play an auxiliary regulatory role by improving these two pathological conditions.

Research Insights: Animal experiments have shown that hydrogen can reduce liver fat accumulation in mice induced by a high-fat diet and lower blood lipid levels (triglycerides, cholesterol). Some small-scale human studies have found that drinking hydrogen-rich water can slightly reduce body fat percentage and fasting blood glucose in obese individuals, but the effects vary among individuals and cannot replace dietary control and exercise.

Safety of Molecular Hydrogen

Existing studies have shown that molecular hydrogen has good safety under conventional dosage conditions (e.g., inhaling 1-4% hydrogen gas, drinking hydrogen-rich water):

Hydrogen is a natural product of human intestinal bacterial metabolism (e.g., bacteria in the large intestine can produce small amounts of hydrogen), and the human body has a natural tolerance to it;

Internationally (e.g., U.S. FDA, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare), hydrogen is not classified as a harmful gas, and hydrogen-rich water has been marketed as a general food or dietary supplement in some countries;

To date, there are no clear research reports on severe adverse reactions (e.g., allergies, toxic reactions) caused by the conventional use of molecular hydrogen.

Note: High-concentration hydrogen (e.g., exceeding 4%) is a flammable gas. When inhaling, the concentration must be strictly controlled and ignition sources avoided. Compliant hydrogen generation equipment should be selected for home use.